Education 42

Welcome to the new home of events and activities.

Fancy an evening of wine and cheese then having ago at some pottery making? Or a Saturday morning walk with our African Pygmy Goats? What about a family fun bake off session in our professional training kitchen? Leisure time in Halesowen has never been more exciting!

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@CommunityHubatB63

For more information: Telephone: 0121 602 7827 Email: srogers@halesowen.ac.uk www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/community-hub-b63

BistroAtB63

Our training restaurant helps to develop the future stars of the catering and hospitality industries, and is open for gourmet dining on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

We also offer informal dining for breakfast and brunch on Saturday mornings, during term time.

We have a range of themed events throughout the year from Gin Tasting evenings to Murder Mystery Nights.

To book or for more information: Telephone: 0121 602 7829 Email: restaurant@halesowen.ac.uk www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/bistro-at-b63

Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, B63 3NA

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gloriouS glouCEStEr for a ChriStmaS mini-brEak

by rebecca underwood, travel Journalist

Credit: Kevin Lewis

The cathedral city of Gloucester, which lies beside the River Severn, offers a fascinating insight into a rich and colourful history. King Henry II granted the city its first charter in 1155 and in 1216 Henry III was crowned king, at the age of nine, on the site of Gloucester Cathedral; the city’s most popular attraction.

On arrival, I set off to explore Gloucester Cathedral, to gaze upon its glorious Gothic architecture and to reflect on over 1,300 years of Christian heritage.

The foundation stone of the Abbey of St Peter, now Gloucester Cathedral, was laid in 1089. The remarkable Nave, which was completed in 1130, is 420 feet in length, 144 feet wide and the central tower rises to 225 feet with four pinnacles at the peak.

The medieval Cloisters, completed in 1367, feature the first example of fan vaulting in the UK. Devotees of Harry Potter movies will recognise this area, which was used to represent the corridors of Hogwart’s School. I was enchanted by the enormous Great East Window, which is situated above the altar and was installed in the 1350’s.

As I explored the cathedral’s mesmerising treasures I lost track of time and succumbed to temptation and indulged in the afternoon tea experience in the Monk’s Kitchen, the cathedral’s popular café. Served with aplomb, the dainty sandwiches, delicious scones with generous helpings of fruity jam with fresh cream and tasty pastries were all scrumptious and after a piping hot cup of English tea I took a leisurely stroll along to my accommodation.

I checked into the Judges Lodgings located on Spa Road. The exquisite regency building, designed by Sir Robert Smirke, who also designed the main block and façade of the British Museum, features a Cotswold stone façade, ornate balcony and cornice and dates back to the 1840’s. The Judges Lodgings offers 15 luxurious and spacious apartments with 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms. I selected a one bedroom apartment, measuring 1000 sq ft, on the ground floor. The contemporary, open-plan lounge features a full size red telephone box and ultra comfy leather chairs and a plump sofa. The dining and kitchen areas are also sumptuously furnished with a modern flair and the highest level of comfort is provided throughout. The kitchen features every appliance expected including a washing machine and a dish washer and the gorgeous bathroom includes a shower and a freestanding bath tub. For those able to whip up a culinary delight in the kitchen, every gadget is at hand. Alas, my cooking skills are lacking and later that evening I decided to venture outside in search of a dining venue.

I spotted a rather long queue of customers outside Ye Old Restaurant and Fish Shoppe on Hare Lane. Gloucester’s oldest fish and chip restaurant, thought to date back to 1530, is listed as a building of special architectural interest with exposed beams and sloping floors and I was absolutely enchanted. I ordered the succulent cod and chips and a chilled glass of Chardonnay which was served with panache.